Emission

I was going between the A3 and A4. While I like the transmission in the A3, the better powerplant in the A4 pushed me into it.

- Mike

av_audi

Folks have already mentioned the engine difference. For the rest, the base CC is only 10% less expensive than the A4 and it doesn't come with leather. The luxury version is just as expensive, but you can't get it with a manual. Withh 4WD, the CC may be more expensive. The CC looks stylish and it is a nice big sedan. But if you look even at something like Consumer Reports, there is no comparison between the two in terms of handling. The CC backseat can only take two passengers, which partially defeats it being roomier. The back of the A4 is OK for two, and it can seat three if needed, which I will often need (kids, mines + sis in law's).

The CC interior is actually very nice and the car has a stylish appearance that many prefer over the A4. But in terms of driving, the A4 is better, for really not more money if you compare feature to feature.

VW's are not any cheaper than similarly equipped A4. Back when I got my Passat, I had just bought a house and I liked the fact that I could get the car in a base trim, without leather/moonroof/etc., for only slightly more than a CamCord. If you want to load up the car, might as well go for the higher-end brand, if for no other reason than VW dealers generally suck.